Control unit of aerosol generation device

ABSTRACT

A control unit of an aerosol generation device includes a processing device configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source. When the remaining amount of the aerosol source is smaller than a threshold value, the processing device suppresses discharge from a power supply to an atomizer configured to atomize the aerosol source, and when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing device controls the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer so as to make an amount of the aerosol source to be atomized different, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese patent application No. 2020-118102, filed on Jul. 8,2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a control unit of an aerosol generationdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literatures 1, 4 and 5 disclose a device configured to causeaerosol generated by heating a liquid to pass through a flavor source,thereby adding flavor to aerosol and allowing a user to inhale aerosolhaving the flavor added thereto.

Patent Literatures 2 and 3 disclose an electrically operated aerosolgeneration system including a liquid storage for storing a liquidaerosol forming matrix and an electric heater including at least oneheating element for heating the liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[Patent Literature 1] WO2020/039589

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent No. 5,999,716

[Patent Literature 3] Japanese Patent No. 5,959,532

[Patent Literature 4] JP-A-2017-511703

[Patent Literature 5] WO2019/017654

In order to increase a commercial value of the aerosol generation deviceconfigured to generate aerosol and to allow a user to inhale the same,it is important to provide the user with aerosol of an appropriatequality.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to increase a commercial value ofthe aerosol generation device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided acontrol unit of an aerosol generation device including a processingdevice configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source,wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is smaller thana threshold value, the processing device further suppresses dischargefrom a power supply to an atomizer configured to atomize the aerosolsource than when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal toor greater than the threshold value, and wherein when the remainingamount of the aerosol source is equal to or greater than the thresholdvalue, the processing device controls the discharge from the powersupply to the atomizer so as to make an amount of the aerosol source tobe atomized different, based on the remaining amount of the aerosolsource.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda control unit of an aerosol generation device including a processingdevice configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source,wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is a firstremaining amount, the processing device electrically discharges firstelectric power from a power supply to an atomizer to atomize the aerosolsource, and wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is asecond remaining amount different from the first remaining amount, theprocessing device electrically discharges second electric powerdifferent from the first electric power from the power supply to theatomizer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a control unit of an aerosol generation device including aprocessing device configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosolsource, wherein the processing device is configured to control electricpower that is electrically discharged from a power supply to an adjustorcapable of adjusting an amount of flavor to be added from a flavorsource to aerosol generated from the aerosol source, based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase acommercial value of the aerosol generation device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of anaerosol generation device.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol generation deviceshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the aerosol generation device shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit of the aerosolgeneration device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of theaerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a modified embodiment of the hardwareconfiguration of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of an electric powerthreshold value P_(max) and an amount of increase ΔP.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of the electric powerthreshold value P_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing atomizing electric power that issupplied to a first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing atomizing electric power that issupplied to the first load 21 in step S19 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of a table showing arelationship between a remaining amount of a flavor component and aremaining amount of a reservoir.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another example of the electricpower threshold value P_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice 1 of a second modified embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice 1 of the second modified embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice 1 of a third modified embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for showing operations of the aerosol generationdevice 1 of the third modified embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an aerosol generation device 1 that is one embodiment ofthe aerosol generation device of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

(Aerosol Generation Device)

The aerosol generation device 1 is a device configured to generateaerosol having a flavor component added thereto without burning, and tocause the aerosol to be inhaled, and has a rod shape extending in apredetermined direction (hereinafter, referred to as the longitudinaldirection X), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The aerosol generation device 1includes a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a secondcartridge 30 provided in corresponding order in the longitudinaldirection X. The first cartridge 20 can be attached and detached (inother words, replaced) with respect to the power supply unit 10. Thesecond cartridge 30 can be attached and detached (in other words,replaced) with respect to the first cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 3,the first cartridge 20 is provided with a first load 21 and a secondload 31. An overall shape of the aerosol generation device 1 is notlimited to such a shape that the power supply unit 10, the firstcartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are aligned in line, as shownin FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may have anyshape such as a substantial box shape as long as the first cartridge 20and the second cartridge 30 can be replaced with respect to the powersupply unit 10. Note that, the second cartridge 30 may also be attachedand detached (in other words, replaced) with respect to the power supplyunit 10.

(Power Supply Unit)

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the power supply unit 10 is configured toaccommodate, in a cylindrical power supply unit case 11, a power supply12, a charging IC 55A, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50, a DC/DCconverter 51, an inlet air sensor 15, a temperature detection device Tiincluding a voltage sensor 52 and a current sensor 53, a temperaturedetection device T2 including a voltage sensor 54 and a current sensor55, a first notification unit 45 and a second notification unit 46.

The power supply 12 is a chargeable secondary battery, an electricdouble layer capacitor or the like, and is preferably a lithium ionsecondary battery. An electrolyte of the power supply 12 may be one or acombination of a gel-like electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solidelectrolyte and an ionic liquid.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 is connected to the diverse sensordevices such as the inlet air sensor 15, the voltage sensor 52, thecurrent sensor 53, the voltage sensor 54 and the current sensor 55, theDC/DC converter 51, the operation unit 14, the first notification unit45, and the second notification unit 46, and is configured to perform avariety of controls of the aerosol generation device 1.

Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly constituted by a processor, andfurther includes a memory 50 a constituted by a storage medium such as aRAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for operations of the processor anda ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a variety of information is stored. Asused herein, the processor is specifically an electric circuit includingcircuit devices such as semiconductor devices.

As shown in FIG. 4, a top portion 11 a on one end side (first cartridge20-side) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinal directionX is provided with discharge terminals 41. The discharge terminals 41are provided to protrude from an upper surface of the top portion 11 atoward the first cartridge 20, and are each configured to beelectrically connectable to each of the first load 21 and the secondload 31 of the first cartridge 20.

The upper surface of the top portion 11 a is also provided with an airsupply part 42 configured to supply air to the first load 21 of thefirst cartridge 20, in the vicinity of the discharge terminals 41.

A bottom portion 11 b on the other end-side (an opposite side to thefirst cartridge 20) of the power supply unit case 11 in the longitudinaldirection X is provided with a charging terminal 43 that can beelectrically connected to an external power supply(not shown). Thecharging terminal 43 is provided on a side surface of the bottom portion11 b, and is, for example, connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus)terminal, a micro USB terminal or the like.

Note that, the charging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unitthat can receive electric power transmitted from the external powersupply in a wireless manner. In this case, the charging terminal 43(power receiving unit) may be constituted by a power receiving coil. Themethod of wireless power transfer may be an electromagnetic inductionmethod, a magnetic resonance method or a combination of theelectromagnetic induction method and the magnetic resonance method. Thecharging terminal 43 may also be a power receiving unit that can receiveelectric power transmitted from the external power supply in acontactless manner. As another example, the charging terminal 43 can beconnected to a USB terminal or a micro USB terminal and may also havethe power receiving unit.

The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an operation unit 14 thatcan be operated by a user and is provided on a side surface of the topportion 11 a so as to face toward an opposite side to the chargingterminal 43. More specifically, the operation unit 14 and the chargingterminal 43 are point-symmetrical with respect to an intersection of astraight line connecting the operation unit 14 and the charging terminal43 and a center line of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinaldirection X. The operation unit 14 is constituted by a button-typeswitch, a touch panel or the like. When a predetermined activationoperation is performed by the operation unit 14 in a state where thepower supply unit 10 is off, the operation unit 14 outputs an activationcommand of the power supply unit 10 to the MCU 50. When the MCU 50acquires the activation command, the MCU starts the power supply unit10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inlet air sensor 15 configured to detect a puff(inhalation) operation is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit14. The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intakeport(not shown) to take external air into an inside. The air intake portmay be provided near the operation unit 14 or the charging terminal 43.

The inlet air sensor 15 is configured to output a value in change ofpressure (internal pressure) in the power supply unit 10 generated as aresult of user's inhalation through an inhalation port 32 (which will bedescribed later). The inlet air sensor 15 is, for example, a pressuresensor configured to output an output value (for example, a voltagevalue or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure thatchanges according to a flow rate (i.e., a user's puff operation) of airinhaled from the air intake port toward the inhalation port 32. Theinlet air sensor 15 may be configured to output an analog value or adigital value converted from the analog value.

The inlet air sensor 15 may also have a built-in temperature sensorconfigured to detect a temperature (external air temperature) of anenvironment in which the power supply unit 10 is put, so as tocompensate for the detected pressure. The inlet air sensor 15 may alsobe constituted by a capacitor microphone or the like, other than thepressure sensor.

When the puff operation is performed and the output value of the inletair sensor 15 is thus equal to or greater than an output thresholdvalue, the MCU 50 determines that a request for aerosol generation (anatomization command of the aerosol source 22, which will be describedlater) is made, and thereafter, when the output value of the inlet airsensor 15 falls below the output threshold value, the MCU 50 determinesthat the request for aerosol generation is over. Note that, in theaerosol generation device 1, in order to suppress overheating of thefirst load 21, for example, when a time period for which the request foraerosol generation is made reaches an upper limit time t_(upper) (forexample, 2.4 seconds), it is determined that the request for aerosolgeneration is over, irrespective of the output value of the inlet airsensor 15.

Note that, the request for aerosol generation may also be detected basedon the operation on the operation unit 14, instead of the inlet airsensor 15. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operationon the operation unit 14 so as to start inhalation of aerosol, theoperation unit 14 may output a signal indicative of the request foraerosol generation to the MCU 50.

The charging IC 55A is disposed near the charging terminal 43, and isconfigured to control charging of electric power input from the chargingterminal 43 to the power supply 12. Note that, the charging IC 55A mayalso be disposed near the MCU 50.

(First Cartridge)

As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 has, in a cylindricalcartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 that constitutes a storage part inwhich the aerosol source 22 is stored, a first load 21 that constitutesan atomizer configured to generate aerosol by atomizing the aerosolsource 22, a wick 24 configured to suck the aerosol source 22 from thereservoir 23 to a position of the first load 21, an aerosol flow path 25that constitutes a cooling passage for making particle sizes of aerosolgenerated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 to sizes suitable forinhalation, an end cap 26 configured to accommodate a part of the secondcartridge 30, and a second load 31 provided to the end cap 26 andconfigured to heat the second cartridge 30.

The reservoir 23 is partitioned to surround the aerosol flow path 25,and is configured to store the aerosol source 22. In the reservoir 23, aporous body such as resin web, cotton or the like may be accommodated,and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated in the porous body. In thereservoir 23, the porous body such as resin web, cotton or the like maynot be accommodated, and only the aerosol source 22 may be stored. Theaerosol source 22 includes a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol,water or the like.

The wick 24 is a liquid retaining member for sucking the aerosol source22 from the reservoir 23 to a position of the first load 21 by using acapillary phenomenon. The wick 24 constitutes a retaining partconfigured to retain the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir23 in a position in which the first load 21 can atomize the aerosolsource. The wick 24 is constituted, for example, by glass fiber, porousceramic or the like.

The aerosol source 22 included in the first cartridge 20 is retained byeach in the reservoir 23 and the wick 24. However, in the below, aremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir, which is a remainingamount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the reservoir 23, is treatedas a remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 included in the firstcartridge 20. It is assumed that the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir is 100% when the first cartridge 20 is in a brand-newstate and gradually decreases as aerosol is generated (aerosol source 22is atomized). The remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir iscalculated by the MCU 50 and is stored in the memory 50 a of the MCU 50.In the below, the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir issimply described as the remaining amount in the reservoir, in somecases.

The first load 21 is configured to heat the aerosol source 22 withoutburning by electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via thedischarge terminals 41, thereby atomizing the aerosol source 22. Inprinciple, the more the electric power supplied from the first load 21to the power supply 12 is, the larger the amount of the aerosol sourceto be atomized is. The first load 21 is constituted by a heating wire(coil) wound at a predetermined pitch.

Note that, the first load 21 may be an element that can generate aerosolby heating and atomizing the aerosol source 22. The first load 21 is,for example, a heat generating element. Examples of the heat generatingelement may include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, aninduction heating type heater, and the like.

As the first load 21, a load whose temperature and electric resistancevalue have a correlation is used. As the first load 21, for example, aload having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic inwhich the electric resistance value increases as the temperature risesis used.

The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on a center line L of the powersupply unit 10, on a downstream side of the first load 21. The end cap26 has a cartridge accommodating part 26 a configured to accommodate apart of the second cartridge 30 and a communication path 26 b configuredto communicate the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodatingpart 26 a each other.

The second load 31 is embedded in the cartridge accommodating part 26 a.The second load 31 is configured to heat the second cartridge 30 (morespecifically, the flavor source 33 included in the second cartridge 30)accommodated in the cartridge accommodating part 26 a by electric powersupplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminals 41. Thesecond load 31 is constituted by a heating wire (coil) wound at apredetermined pitch, for example.

Note that, the second load 31 may be an element that can heat the secondcartridge 30. The second load 31 is, for example, a heat generatingelement. Examples of the heat generating element may include a heatgenerating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater,and the like.

As the second load 31, a load whose temperature and electric resistancevalue have a correlation is used. As the second load 31, for example, aload having a PTC characteristic is used.

(Second Cartridge)

The second cartridge 30 is configured to store the flavor source 33. Thesecond cartridge 30 is heated by the second load 31, so that the flavorsource 33 is heated. The second cartridge 30 is detachably accommodatedin the cartridge accommodating part 26 a provided to the end cap 26 ofthe first cartridge 20. An end portion of the second cartridge 30 on anopposite side to the first cartridge 20-side is configured as theinhalation port 32 for a user. Note that, the inhalation port 32 is notlimited to the configuration where it is integrated with the secondcartridge 30, and may be detachably attached to the second cartridge 30.In this way, the inhalation port 32 is configured separately from thepower supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20, so that the inhalationport 32 can be hygienically kept.

The second cartridge 30 is configured to cause aerosol, which aregenerated as the aerosol source 22 is atomized by the first load 21, topass through the flavor source 33, thereby adding a flavor component tothe aerosol. As a raw material piece that forms the flavor source 33,chopped tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco rawmaterial into granules can be used. The flavor source 33 may also beformed by plants (for example, mint, Chinese herbs, herbs and the like)other than tobacco. A fragrance such as menthol may be added to theflavor source 33.

In the aerosol generation device 1, it is possible to generate aerosolhaving a flavor component added thereto by the aerosol source 22 and theflavor source 33. Specifically, the aerosol source 22 and the flavorsource 33 constitute an aerosol generating source that generatesaerosol.

The aerosol generating source of the aerosol generation device 1 is apart that is replaced and used by a user. This part is provided to theuser, as a set of one first cartridge 20 and one or more (for example,five) second cartridges 30, for example. Note that, the first cartridge20 and the second cartridge 30 may be integrated to constitute onecartridge.

In the aerosol generation device 1 configured as described above, asshown with an arrow B in FIG. 3, the air introduced from an intakeport(not shown) provided to the power supply unit case 11 passes fromthe air supply part 42 to the vicinity of the first load 21 of the firstcartridge 20. The first load 21 is configured to atomize the aerosolsource 22 introduced from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. Aerosolgenerated as a result of the atomization flows in the aerosol flow path25 together with the air introduced from the intake port, and aresupplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication path 26 b. Theaerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is added with the flavorcomponent as the aerosol pass through the flavor source 33, and are thensupplied to the inhalation port 32.

The aerosol generation device 1 is also provided with the firstnotification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 for notifying avariety of information to the user (refer to FIG. 5). The firstnotification unit 45 is to give a notification that acts on a user'stactile sense, and is constituted by a vibration element such as avibrator. The second notification unit 46 is to give a notification thatacts on a user's visual sense, and is constituted by a light emittingelement such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As the notification unitfor notifying a variety of information, a sound output element may befurther provided so as to give a notification that acts on a user'sauditory sense. The first notification unit 45 and the secondnotification unit 46 may be provided to any of the power supply unit 10,the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 but is preferablyprovided to the power supply unit 10. For example, the periphery of theoperation unit 14 is transparent, and is configured to emit light by alight emitting element such as an LED.

(Details of Power Supply Unit)

As shown in FIG. 5, the DC/DC converter 51 is connected between thefirst load 21 and the power supply 12 in a state where the firstcartridge 20 is mounted to the power supply unit 10. The MCU 50 isconnected between the DC/DC converter 51 and the power supply 12. Thesecond load 31 is connected between the MCU 50 and the DC/DC converter51 in the state where the first cartridge 20 is mounted to the powersupply unit 10. In this way, in the power supply unit 10, in the statewhere the first cartridge 20 is mounted, a series circuit of the DC/DCconverter 51 and the first load 21 and the second load 31 are connectedin parallel to the power supply 12.

The DC/DC converter 51 is a booster circuit capable of boosting an inputvoltage, and is configured to be able to supply a voltage obtained byboosting an input voltage or the input voltage to the first load 21.According to the DC/DC converter 51, since it is possible to adjustelectric power that is supplied to the first load 21, it is possible tocontrol an amount of the aerosol source 22 that is atomized by the firstload 21. As the DC/DC converter 51, for example, a switching regulatorconfigured to convert an input voltage into a desired output voltage bycontrolling on/off time of a switching element while monitoring anoutput voltage may be used. In a case where the switching regulator isused as the DC/DC converter 51, it is possible to output an inputvoltage, as it is, without boosting the input voltage by controlling theswitching element.

The processor of the MCU 50 is configured to be able to acquiretemperatures of the flavor source 33 and the second load 31 so as tocontrol the discharge to the second load 31. Further, the processor ofthe MCU 50 is preferably configured to be able to acquire a temperatureof the first load 21. The temperature of the first load 21 can be usedto suppress overheating of the first load 21 or the aerosol source 22and to highly control an amount of the aerosol source 22 that isatomized by the first load 21.

The voltage sensor 52 is configured to measure and output a voltagevalue that is applied to the second load 31. The current sensor 53 isconfigured to measure and output a current value that flows through thesecond load 31. The output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output ofthe current sensor 53 are each input to the MCU 50. The processor of theMCU 50 is configured to acquire a resistance value of the second load31, based on the output of the voltage sensor 52 and the output of thecurrent sensor 53, and to acquire a temperature of the second load 31corresponding to the resistance value. The temperature of the secondload 31 is not strictly matched with the temperature of the flavorsource 33 that is heated by the second load 31 but can be regarded asbeing substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor source 33.

Note that, in a configuration where constant current is caused to flowthrough the second load 31 when acquiring the resistance value of thesecond load 31, the current sensor 53 is not required in the temperaturedetection device T1. Likewise, in a configuration where a constantvoltage is applied to the second load 31 when acquiring the resistancevalue of the second load 31, the voltage sensor 52 is not required inthe temperature detection device T1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of the temperature detection deviceT1, the first cartridge 20 may be provided with a temperature detectiondevice T3 for detecting a temperature of the second cartridge 30 or thesecond load 31. The temperature detection device T3 is constituted, forexample, by a thermistor disposed near the second cartridge 30 or thesecond load 31. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the processor of the MCU50 is configured to acquire the temperature of the second load 31 or thetemperature of the second cartridge 30, in other words, the temperatureof the flavor source 33, based on an output of the temperature detectiondevice T3.

As shown in FIG. 6, the temperature of the flavor source 33 is acquiredusing the temperature detection device T3, so that it is possible toacquire the temperature of the flavor source 33 more precisely, ascompared to the configuration where the temperature of the flavor source33 is acquired using the temperature detection device T1 of FIG. 5. Notethat, the temperature detection device T3 may also be mounted to thesecond cartridge 30. According to the configuration of FIG. 6 where thetemperature detection device T3 is mounted to the first cartridge 20, itis possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second cartridge 30that is most frequently replaced in the aerosol generation device 1.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, when acquiring the temperature of theflavor source 33 by using the temperature detection device T1, thetemperature detection device T1 may be provided to the power supply unit10 that is least frequently replaced in the aerosol generation device 1.Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the firstcartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30.

The voltage sensor 54 is configured to measure and output a voltagevalue that is applied to the first load 21. The current sensor 55 isconfigured to measure and output a current value that flows through thefirst load 21. The output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of thecurrent sensor 55 are each input to the MCU 50. The processor of the MCU50 is configured to acquire a resistance value of the first load 21,based on the output of the voltage sensor 54 and the output of thecurrent sensor 55, and to acquire a temperature of the first load 21corresponding to the resistance value. Note that, in a configurationwhere constant current is caused to flow through the first load 21 whenacquiring the resistance value of the first load 21, the current sensor55 is not required in the temperature detection device T2. Likewise, ina configuration where a constant voltage is applied to the first load 21when acquiring the resistance value of the first load 21, the voltagesensor 54 is not required in the temperature detection device T2.

(MCU)

Subsequently, functions of the MCU 50 are described. The MCU 50 has atemperature detection unit, an electric power control unit and anotification control unit, as functional blocks that are implemented asthe processor executes programs stored in the ROM.

The temperature detection unit is configured to acquire a temperature ofthe flavor source 33, based on an output of the temperature detectiondevice T1 (or the temperature detection device T3). The temperaturedetection unit is also configured to acquire a temperature of the firstload 21, based on an output of the temperature detection device T2.

The notification control unit is configured to control the firstnotification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46 to notify avariety of information. For example, the notification control unit isconfigured to control at least one of the first notification unit 45 andthe second notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urgingreplacement of the second cartridge 30, according to detection of areplacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The notification controlunit may also be configured to issue a notification for urgingreplacement of the first cartridge 20, a notification for urgingreplacement of the power supply 12, a notification for urging chargingof the power supply 12, and the like, without being limited to thenotification for urging replacement of the second cartridge 30.

The electric power control unit is configured to control discharge(discharge necessary for heating of a load) from the power supply 12 toat least the first load 21 of the first load 21 and the second load 31,according to a signal indicative of a request for aerosol generationoutput from the inlet air sensor 15. Specifically, the electric powercontrol unit is configured to perform at least first discharge of firstdischarge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 for atomizingthe aerosol source 22 and second discharge from the power supply 12 tothe second load 31 for heating the flavor source 33.

In this way, in the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor source 33can be heated by the discharge to the second load 31. It isexperimentally known that it is effective to increase an amount ofaerosol generated from the aerosol source 22 and to raise a temperatureof the flavor source 33 so as to increase an amount of the flavorcomponent to be added to aerosol.

Therefore, the electric power control unit is configured to control thedischarge for heating from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 andthe second load 31 so that a unit amount of flavor (an amount W_(flavor)of the flavor component, which will be described later), which is anamount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol generated inresponse to each request for aerosol generation, is to converge to atarget amount, based on information about the temperature of the flavorsource 33. The target amount is a value that is determined asappropriate. However, for example, a target range of the unit amount offlavor may be determined as appropriate, and an intermediate value ofthe target range may be determined as the target amount. In this way,the unit amount of flavor (amount W_(flavor) of the flavor component)can be converged to the target amount, so that the unit amount of flavorcan also be converged to the target range having a width to some extent.Note that, as units of the unit amount of flavor and the amountW_(flavor) of the flavor component, and the target amount, a weight maybe used.

Further, the electric power control unit is configured to control thedischarge for heating from the power supply 12 to the second load 31 sothat the temperature of the flavor source 33 is to converge to a targettemperature (a target temperature T_(cap_target), which will bedescribed later), based on an output of the temperature detection deviceT1 (or the temperature detection device T3) configured to outputinformation about the temperature of the flavor source 33.

(Diverse Parameters That Are Used For Generation of Aerosol)

Subsequently, a variety of parameters and the like that are used fordischarge control for generation of aerosol are described beforedescribing specific operations of the MCU 50.

A weight[mg] of aerosol that are generated in the first cartridge 20 byone inhalation operation by a user is denoted as the aerosol weightW_(aerosol). The electric power that should be supplied to the firstload 21 so as to generate the aerosol is denoted as the atomizingelectric power P_(liquid). Assuming that the aerosol source 22 issufficiently present, the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) is proportional tothe atomizing electric power P_(liquid), and a supply time t_(sense) ofthe atomizing electric power P_(liquid) to the first load 21 (in otherwords, an energization time to the first load 21 or a time for whichpuff is performed). For this reason, the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) canbe modeled by a following equation (1). In the equation (1), α is acoefficient that is experimentally obtained. Note that, the upper limitvalue of the supply time t_(sense) is the above-described upper limittime t_(upper). The equation (1) may be replaced with an equation (1A).In the equation (1A), an intercept b having a positive value isintroduced into the equation (1). The intercept is a term that can bearbitrarily introduced, considering a fact that a part of the atomizingelectric power P_(liquid) is used for temperature rising of the aerosolsource 22 that occurs before atomization of the aerosol source 22. Theintercept b can also be experimentally obtained.

[formula 1]

W _(aerosol) ≡α×P _(liquid) ×t _(sense)   (1)

W _(aerosol) ≡αP _(liquid) ×t _(sense) −b   (1A)

A weight[mg] of the flavor component included in the flavor source 33 ina state where inhalation is performed n_(puff) times (n_(puff): naturalnumber greater than 0) is denoted as the remaining amountW_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component. Note that, the remainingamount (W_(capsule)(n_(puff)=0)) of the flavor component included in theflavor source 33 of the second cartridge 30 in a brand-new state isdenoted as W_(initial). The information about the temperature of theflavor source 33 is denoted as the capsule temperature parameterT_(capsule). A weight[mg] of the flavor component that is added toaerosol passing through the flavor source 33 by one inhalation operationby a user is denoted as the amount W_(flavor) of the flavor component.The information about the temperature of the flavor source 33 indicates,for example, a temperature of the flavor source 33 or the second load 31that is acquired based on the output of the temperature detection deviceT1 (or the temperature detection device T3). In the below, the remainingamount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component may be simplydenoted as the remaining amount of the flavor component, in some cases.

It is experimentally known that the amount W_(flavor) of the flavorcomponent depends on the remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component, the capsule temperature parameter T_(capsule) and theaerosol weight W_(aerosol). Therefore, the amount W_(flavor) of theflavor component can be modeled by a following equation (2).

[formula 2]

W _(flavor) =β×{W _(capsule)(n _(puff))×T _(capsule)}×γ×W _(aerosol)  (2)

The remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component isreduced by the amount W_(flavor) of the flavor component each timeinhalation is performed. For this reason, the remaining amountW_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component when n_(puff) is set to 1or greater, specifically, the remaining amount of the flavor componentafter inhalation is performed one or more times can be modeled by afollowing equation (3).

[formula 3]

W _(capsule)(n _(puff))=W _(initial)−δ·Σ_(i=1) ^(n) ^(puff) W_(flavor)(i)  (3)

In the equation (2), β is a coefficient indicating a ratio of how muchof the flavor component included in the flavor source 33 is added toaerosol in one inhalation, and is experimentally obtained. γ in theequation (2) and δ in the equation (3) are coefficients that are eachexperimentally obtained. During a time period for which one inhalationis performed, the capsule temperature parameter T_(capsule) and theremaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component may eachvary. However, in this model, γ and δ are introduced so as to treat thecorresponding parameters as constant values.

(Operations of Aerosol Generation Device)

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosolgeneration device 1 shown in FIG. 1. When the aerosol generation device1 is activated (power supply ON) by an operation on the operation unit14 or the like (step S0: YES), the MCU 50 determines whether aerosolhave been generated (whether inhalation by the user has been performedeven once) after the power supply ON or replacement of the secondcartridge 30 (step S1).

For example, the MCU 50 has a built-in puff-number counter configured tocount up n_(puff) from an initial value (for example, 0) each timeinhalation (request for aerosol generation) is performed. A count valueof the puff-number counter is stored in the memory 50 a. The MCU 50refers to the count value to determine whether it is a state afterinhalation has been performed even once. Note that, when extremely short(for example, shorter than 0.1 second) inhalation or extremely weak (forexample, 10 mL/second) inhalation is detected, the puff-number countermay not count up n_(puff). In other words, the puff-number counter isnot counted up until sufficient inhalation is performed, and a countvalue at the time when the last sufficient inhalation is performed iscontinuously kept.

When it is first inhalation after the power supply ON or when it is atiming before first inhalation after the second cartridge 30 is replaced(step S1: NO), the heating of the flavor source 33 is not performed yetor is not performed for a while, so that the temperature of the flavorsource 33 is highly likely to depend on external environments.Therefore, in this case, the MCU 50 acquires, as the capsule temperatureparameter T_(capsule), the temperature of the flavor source 33 acquiredbased on the output of the temperature detection device T1 (or thetemperature detection device T3), sets the acquired temperature of theflavor source 33 as the target temperature T_(cap_target) of the flavorsource 33, and stores the same in the memory 50 a (step S2).

Note that, in the state where the determination in step S1 is NO, thereis a high possibility that the temperature of the flavor source 33 isclose to the outside air temperature or the temperature of the powersupply unit 10. For this reason, in step S2, as a modified embodiment,the outside air temperature or the temperature of the power supply unit10 may be acquired as the capsule temperature parameter T_(capsule), andmay be set as the target temperature T_(cap_target).

The outside air temperature is preferably acquired from a temperaturesensor embedded in the inlet air sensor 15, for example. The temperatureof the power supply unit 10 is preferably acquired from a temperaturesensor embedded in the MCU 50 so as to manage an inside temperature ofthe MCU 50, for example. In this case, both the temperature sensorembedded in the inlet air sensor 15 and the temperature sensor embeddedin the MCU 50 function as elements configured to output the informationabout the temperature of the flavor source 33.

As described above, in the aerosol generation device 1, the dischargefrom the power supply 12 to the second load 31 is controlled so that thetemperature of the flavor source 33 is to converge to the targettemperature T_(cap_target). Therefore, after inhalation is performedeven once after the power supply ON or the replacement of the secondcartridge 30, there is a high possibility that the temperature of theflavor source 33 is close to the target temperature T_(cap_target).Therefore, in this case (step S1: YES), the MCU 50 acquires the targettemperature T_(cap_target) used for previous generation of aerosol andstored in the memory 50 a, as the capsule temperature parameterT_(capsule), and sets the same as the target temperature T_(cap_target),as it is (step S3). In this case, the memory 50 a functions as a deviceconfigured to output the information about the temperature of the flavorsource 33.

Note that, in step S3, the MCU 50 may acquire, as the capsuletemperature parameter T_(capsule), the temperature of the flavor source33 acquired based on the output of the temperature detection device T1(or the temperature detection device T3), and set the acquiredtemperature of the flavor source 33 as the target temperatureT_(cap_target) of the flavor source 33. In this way, the capsuletemperature parameter T_(capsule) can be acquired more accurately.

After step S2 or step S3, the MCU 50 determines the aerosol weightW_(aerosol) necessary to achieve the target amount W_(flavor) of theflavor component by an equation (4), based on the set target temperatureT_(cap_target), and the remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component of the flavor source 33 at the present moment (stepS4). The equation (4) is a modification of the equation (2), in whichT_(capsule) is changed to T_(cap_target).

$\begin{matrix}\left\lbrack {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 4} \right\rbrack & \; \\{W_{aerosol} = \frac{W_{flavor}}{\beta \times {W_{capsule}\left( n_{puff} \right)} \times T_{{cap}\mspace{11mu}\_\;{target}} \times \gamma}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

Then, the MCU 50 determines the atomizing electric power Num necessaryto realize the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) determined in step S4 by theequation (1) where t_(sense) is set as the upper limit time t_(upper)(step S5).

Note that, a table where a combination of the target temperatureT_(cap_target) and the remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component and the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) areassociated with each other may be stored in the memory 50 a of the MCU50, and the MCU 50 may determine the atomizing electric power P_(liquid)by using the table. Thereby, the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) canbe determined at high speed and low power consumption.

In the aerosol generation device 1, as described later, when thetemperature of the flavor source 33 does not reach the targettemperature at the time of detection of the request for aerosolgeneration, the deficiency in the amount W_(flavor) of the flavorcomponent is supplemented by an increase in the aerosol weightW_(aerosol) (an increase in the atomizing electric power). In order tosecure the increase in the atomizing electric power, it is necessary tomake the atomizing electric power determined in step S5 lower than anupper limit value P_(upper) of electric power that can be supplied tothe first load 21 determined by the hardware configuration.

Specifically, after step S5, the MCU 50 sets an electric power thresholdvalue P_(max) lower than the upper limit value P_(upper) (step S6 a).When the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) determined in step S5exceeds the electric power threshold value P_(max) (step S6: NO), theMCU 50 increases the target temperature T_(cap_target) of the flavorsource 33 (step S7), and returns the processing to step S4. As can beseen from the equation (4), the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) necessary toachieve the target amount W_(flavor) of the flavor component can bereduced by increasing the target temperature T_(cap_target). As aresult, the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) that is determined instep S5 can be reduced. The MCU 50 can set the determination in step S6,which was originally determined NO, to YES and shift the processing tostep S8 by repeating steps S4 to S7.

The electric power threshold value P_(max) is not a single fixed value,and any one of multiple values is set. As described above, the atomizingelectric power that is determined in step S5 is determined on thepremise that the aerosol source 22 (remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir) is sufficiently large. However, in a case where theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is large and in a casewhere the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is small, evenif the atomizing electric power is the same, when the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is small, an amount of the aerosol source22 that is supplied to the wick 24 is smaller and it takes more time forthe wick 24 to retain a sufficient amount of the aerosol source 22, sothat the desired aerosol weight may not be realized. Specifically, whenthe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is small, thenecessary aerosol weight may not be realized. Therefore, it ispreferably to reduce the necessary aerosol weight by increasing thetarget temperature of the flavor source 33 as much as that.

From such standpoint, in step S6 a, the MCU 50 acquires the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir, and sets the electric powerthreshold value P_(max), based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir. Specifically, the MCU 50 sets the electric powerthreshold value P_(max) to a large value so that the larger theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is, the greater theaerosol weight is. In other words, when the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is a first remaining amount, the MCU 50sets the electric power threshold value P_(max) to a smaller value thanwhen the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is a secondremaining amount different from the first remaining amount (for example,a remaining amount larger than the first remaining amount). In this way,the atomizing electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 canbe adjusted based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir. Therefore, it is possible to realize the target amount of theflavor component, irrespective of the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir.

The upper limit value P_(upper) is described. During the discharge fromthe power supply 12 to the first load 21, the current flowing throughthe first load 21 and the voltage of the power supply 12 are eachdenoted as I and V_(LIB), an upper limit value of a boost rate of theDC/DC converter 51 is denoted as η_(upper), an upper limit value of anoutput voltage of the DC/DC converter 51 is denoted as P_(DC/DC_upper),and an electric resistance value of the first load 21 in a state wherethe temperature of the first load 21 reaches a boiling point temperatureof the aerosol source 22 is denoted as R_(HTR) (T_(HTR)=T_(B.P.)).Hence, the upper limit value P_(upper) can be expressed by a followingequation (5).

$\begin{matrix}\left\lbrack {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 5} \right\rbrack & \; \\{P_{upper} = {{I \cdot V_{LIB}} = {{{MIN}\left( {\frac{\left( {\eta_{upper} \cdot V_{LIB}} \right)^{2}}{R_{HTR}\left( {T_{HTR} = T_{B.P.}} \right)}\ P_{{{DC}/{{DC}\_}}\;{upper}}} \right)} - \Delta}}} & (5)\end{matrix}$

In the equation (5), when Δ is set to 0, an ideal value of the upperlimit value P_(upper) is obtained. However, in a real circuit, it isnecessary to take into consideration a resistance component of a wireconnected to the first load 21, a resistance component other than theresistance component connected to the first load 21, and the like. Forthis reason, Δ that is an adjustment value is introduced in the equation(5) so as to provide a certain margin.

Note that, in the aerosol generation device 1, the DC/DC converter 51 isnot necessarily required, and may be omitted. When the DC/DC converter51 is omitted, the upper limit value P_(upper) can be expressed by afollowing equation (6).

$\begin{matrix}\left\lbrack {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 6} \right\rbrack & \; \\{P_{upper} = {{I \cdot V_{LIB}} = {\frac{V_{LIB}^{2}}{R_{HTR}\left( {T_{HTR} = T_{B.P.}} \right)} - \Delta}}} & (6)\end{matrix}$

When the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) determined in step S5 isequal to or less than the electric power threshold value P_(max) (stepS6: YES), the MCU 50 acquires the temperature T_(cap_sense) of theflavor source 33 at the present moment, based on the output of thetemperature detection device T1 (or the temperature detection device T3)(step S8).

Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge to the second load 31 forheating of the second load 31, based on the temperature T_(cap_sense)and the target temperature T_(cap_target) (step S9). Specifically, theMCU 50 supplies electric power to the second load 31 by PID(Proportional-Integral-Differential) control or ON/OFF control so thatthe temperature T_(cap_sense) is to converge to the target temperatureT_(cap_target).

In the PID control, a difference between the temperature T_(cap_sense)and the target temperature T_(cap_target) is fed back and electric powercontrol is performed based on a result of the feedback so that thetemperature T_(cap_sense) is to converge to the target temperatureT_(cap_target). According to the PID control, the temperatureT_(cap_sense) can be converged to the target temperature T_(cap_target)with high accuracy. Note that, the MCU 50 may also use P (Proportional)control or PI (Proportional-Integral) control, instead of the PIDcontrol.

In the ON/OFF control, in a state where the temperature T_(cap_sense) islower than the target temperature T_(cap_target), electric power issupplied to the second load 31, and in a state where the temperatureT_(cap_sense) is equal to or higher than the target temperatureT_(cap_target), the supply of electric power to the second load 31 isstopped until the temperature T_(cap_sense) falls below the targettemperature T_(cap_target). According to the ON/OFF control, thetemperature of the flavor source 33 can be raised more rapidly than thePID control. For this reason, it is possible to increase a possibilitythat the temperature T_(cap_sense) will reach the target temperatureT_(cap_target), before the request for aerosol generation is detected.Note that, the target temperature T_(cap_target) may have a hysteresis.

After step S9, the MCU 50 determines whether there is a request foraerosol generation (step S10). When a request for aerosol generation isnot detected (step S10: NO), the MCU 50 determines a length of a time(hereinafter, referred to as the non-operation time) during which therequest for aerosol generation is not performed, in step S11. When thenon-operation time has reached a predetermined time (step S11: YES), theMCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31 (step S12), and shiftsto a sleep mode in which the power consumption is reduced (step S13).When the non-operation time is less than the predetermined time (stepS11: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S8.

When a request for aerosol generation is detected (step S10: YES), theMCU 50 ends the discharge to the second load 31, and acquires atemperature T_(cap_sense) of the flavor source 33 at that time, based onthe output of the temperature detection device T1 (or the temperaturedetection device T3) (step S14). Then, the MCU 50 determines whether thetemperature T_(cap_sense) acquired in step S14 is equal to or higherthan the target temperature T_(cap_target) (step S15).

When the temperature T_(cap_sense) is lower than the target temperatureT_(cap_target) (step S15: NO), the MCU 50 increases the atomizingelectric power P_(liquid) determined in step S5 so as to supplement adecrease in the amount of the flavor component due to the insufficienttemperature of the flavor source 33. Specifically, the MCU 50 firstdetermines an amount of increase ΔP of the atomizing electric power,based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (step S19a), and supplies, to the first load 21, atomizing electric powerP_(liquid)′ obtained by adding the amount of increase ΔP to theatomizing electric power P_(liquid) determined in step S5, therebystarting heating of the first load 21 (step S19).

The amount of increase ΔP is a variable value corresponding to theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir but may also be a singlefixed value. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views showing examples of acombination of the electric power threshold value P_(max) and the amountof increase ΔP.

In the example of FIG. 9, the amount of increase ΔP is a constant valueP1, irrespective of the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir.In addition, in the example of FIG. 9, the electric power thresholdvalue P_(max) is a constant value P2 when the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or greater than a thresholdvalue TH1, and is a value smaller than the value P2 when the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or greater than athreshold value TH2 and smaller than the threshold value TH1.Specifically, in a range where the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 andsmaller than the threshold value TH1, the smaller the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is, the smaller the electric powerthreshold value P_(max) is. A sum of the electric power threshold valueP_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP corresponding to each remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or smaller than theupper limit value P_(upper). In addition, a summed value of the value P1and the value P2 is the same as the upper limit value P_(upper). Notethat, when the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equalto or greater than the threshold value TH2 and smaller than thethreshold value TH1, the change in the electric power threshold valueP_(max) may be curved other than linear. Note that, the summed value ofthe value P1 and the value P2 may be smaller than the upper limit valueP_(upper).

In the example of FIG. 10, when the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1, theamount of increase ΔP is a constant value P1, and when the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or greater than thethreshold value TH2 and smaller than the threshold value TH1, the amountof increase ΔP is a value smaller than the value P1. Specifically, inthe range where the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir isequal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 and smaller than thethreshold value TH1, the smaller the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir is, the smaller the amount of increase ΔP is. In theexample of FIG. 10, when the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1, theelectric power threshold value P_(max) is a constant value P2, and whenthe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to orgreater than the threshold value TH2 and smaller than the thresholdvalue TH1, the electric power threshold value P_(max) is a value smallerthan the value P2. Specifically, in the range where the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or greater than the thresholdvalue TH2 and smaller than the threshold value TH1, the smaller theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is, the smaller theelectric power threshold value P_(max) is. The sum of the electric powerthreshold value P_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP corresponding toeach remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to orsmaller than the upper limit value P_(upper). In addition, the summedvalue of the value P1 and the value P2 is the same as the upper limitvalue P_(upper).

The threshold value TH2 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a value smaller thanthe threshold value TH1, and is used to perform a determination tosuppress the discharge for heating to the first load 21. The description“suppress the discharge for heating to the first load 21” meansprohibiting the discharge to the first load 21 or setting electric powerthat can be electrically discharged to the first load 21 to be lowerthan a minimum value of electric power that is supplied to the firstload 21 for heating of the first load 21 according to a request foraerosol generation.

When the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir acquired instep S6 a is smaller than the threshold value TH2, for example, the MCU50 performs control of prohibiting the discharge from the power supply12 to the first load 21, in other words, control of further suppressingthe discharge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 than whenthe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to orgreater than the threshold value TH2, and further performs control ofissuing a replacement notification of the first cartridge 20.

Alternatively, when the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoirupdated in step S24 a is smaller than the threshold value TH2, forexample, the MCU 50 may perform control of prohibiting the dischargefrom the power supply 12 to the first load 21, and further performcontrol of issuing a replacement notification of the first cartridge 20.When a replacement notification of the first cartridge 20 is issued, theMCU 50 resets the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir storedin the memory 50 a to 100%.

In step S15, when the temperature T_(cap_sense) is equal to or higherthan the target temperature T_(cap_target) (step S15: YES), the MCU 50supplies the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) determined in step S5to the first load 21 to start heating of the first load 21, therebygenerating aerosol (step S17).

After starting heating of the first load 21 in step S19 or step S17,when the request for aerosol generation is not over (step S18: NO) andthe duration of the request for aerosol generation is less than theupper limit time t_(upper) (step S18 a: YES), the MCU 50 continues toheat the first load 21. When the duration of the request for aerosolgeneration reaches the upper limit time t_(upper) (step S18 a: NO) orwhen the request for aerosol generation is over (step S18: YES), the MCU50 stops the supply of electric power to the first load 21 (step S21).

The MCU 50 may control the heating of the first load 21 in step S17 orstep S19, based on the output of the temperature detection device T2.For example, when the MCU 50 executes the PID control or the ON/OFFcontrol, in which the boiling point of the aerosol source 22 is set asthe target temperature, based on the output of the temperature detectiondevice T2, it is possible to suppress overheating of the first load 21and the aerosol source 22, and to accurately control the amount of theaerosol source 22 that is atomized by the first load 21.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the atomizing electric power that issupplied to the first load 21 in step S17 of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is aschematic view showing the atomizing electric power that is supplied tothe first load 21 in step S19 of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 12, when thetemperature T_(cap_sense) does not reach the target temperatureT_(cap_target) at the time of detection of the request for aerosolgeneration, the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) is increased, whichis then supplied to the first load 21.

In this way, even though the temperature of the flavor source 33 doesnot reach the target temperature at the time when the request foraerosol generation is performed, the processing of step S19 isperformed, so that the amount of aerosol to be generated can beincreased. As a result, the decrease in the amount of the flavorcomponent to be added to aerosol, which is caused due to the temperatureof the flavor source 33 being lower than the target temperature, can besupplemented by the increase in the amount of aerosol. Therefore, theamount of the flavor component to be added to aerosol can be convergedto the target amount. In addition, the amount of increase ΔP of theatomizing electric power to be increased in step S19 is a value based onthe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir. Even when theatomizing electric power is increased in step S19, the smaller theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is, the amount ofincrease ΔP is set to be smaller, so that an appropriate amount ofaerosol corresponding to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir can be generated. As a result, it is possible to suppressaerosol having unintended flavor and taste from being generated, whichis caused when electric power more than necessity is supplied to theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 hasreached the target temperature at the time when the request for aerosolgeneration is made, a desired amount of aerosol necessary to achieve thetarget amount of the flavor component is generated by the atomizingelectric power determined in step S5. For this reason, the amount of theflavor component to be added to aerosol can be converged to the targetamount.

After step S21, the MCU 50 acquires a supply time t_(sense) of theatomizing electric power supplied to the first load 21 in step S17 orstep S19 to the first load 21 (step S22). Note that, it should be notedthat when the MCU 50 detects the request for aerosol generation beyondthe upper limit time t_(upper), the supply time t_(sense) is the same asthe upper limit time t_(upper). Further, the MCU 50 increases thepuff-number counter by “1” (step S23).

The MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component of the flavor source 33, based on the supply timet_(sense) acquired in step S22, the atomizing electric power supplied tothe first load 21 according to the received request for aerosolgeneration, and the target temperature T_(cap_target) at the time ofdetection of the request for aerosol generation (step S24).

When the control shown in FIG. 11 is performed, the amount W_(flavor) ofthe flavor component that is added to aerosol generated from start toend of the request for aerosol generation can be obtained by a followingequation (7). (t_(end)-t_(start)) in the equation (7) indicates thesupply time t_(sense). The remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component in the equation (7) is a value at a point of timeimmediately before the request for aerosol generation is performed.

[formula 7]

W _(flavor) =β×{W _(capsule)(n _(puff))×T _(cap_target) }×γ×α×P_(liquid)×(t _(end) −t _(start))   (7)

When the control shown in FIG. 12 is performed, the amount W_(flavor) ofthe flavor component that is added to aerosol generated from start toend of the request for aerosol generation can be obtained by a followingequation (7A). (t_(end)−t_(start)) in the equation (7A) indicates thesupply time t_(sense). The remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of theflavor component in the equation (7A) is a value at a point of timeimmediately before the request for aerosol generation is performed.

[formula 8]

W _(flavor) =β×{W _(capsule)(n _(puff))×T _(cap_target) }×γ×α×P_(liquid)′×(t _(end) −t _(start))   (7A)

W_(flavor) for each request for aerosol generation obtained in this wayis stored in the memory 50 a, and values of the past amounts W_(flavor)of the flavor component including the amount W_(flavor) of the flavorcomponent at the time of current aerosol generation and the amountW_(flavor) of the flavor component at the time of aerosol generationbefore the previous time are substituted into the equation (3)(specifically, a value obtained by multiplying the coefficient δ by anintegral value of the values of the past amounts W_(flavor) of theflavor component is subtracted from W_(initial)), so that the remainingamount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component after generation ofaerosol can be derived with high accuracy and updated.

After step S24, the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir stored in the memory 50 a (step S24 a). The remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir can be derived based on acumulative value of the supply time t_(sense) of the atomizing electricpower to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced witha brand-new cartridge. A relationship between the cumulative value andthe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir may beexperimentally obtained. Alternatively, the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir may be derived based on a cumulativevalue of products of the supply time t_(sense) of the atomizing electricpower to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 is replaced witha brand-new cartridge and the electric power (the atomizing electricpower P_(liquid), the atomizing electric power P_(liquid)′) electricallydischarged to the first load 21. A relationship between the cumulativevalue and the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir may alsobe experimentally obtained.

Further, in step S24 a, the MCU 50 may derive the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir, based on the remaining amountW_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component of the second cartridge 30updated in step S24. In the present embodiment, the five secondcartridges 30 can be used for one first cartridge 20. For example, dataindicating a relationship between the change in the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir at the time when one second cartridge 30is used and the change in the remaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) ofthe flavor component of the second cartridge 30 is experimentallyobtained. In addition, the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir of the brand-new first cartridge 20 is equally divided for thefive second cartridges 30, and a table shown in FIG. 13 in which thedata is associated with each of the equally divided remaining amounts isprepared and stored in the memory 50 a. In step S24 a, the MCU 50 readsout, from the table, the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoircorresponding to the current number of the used second cartridges 30 andremaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component, based onthe cumulative number of the used second cartridges 30 after the firstcartridge 20 is replaced with a brand-new cartridge, the remainingamount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component acquired in stepS24, and the table shown in FIG. 13, and stores the read remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir in the memory 50 a, as the latestinformation.

Subsequently, the MCU 50 determines whether the updated remaining amountW_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component is smaller than thethreshold value of the remaining amount (step S25). When the updatedremaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component is equalto or greater than the threshold value of the remaining amount (stepS25: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the processing to step S28. When the updatedremaining amount W_(capsule)(n_(puff)) of the flavor component issmaller than the threshold value of the remaining amount (step S25:YES), the MCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45and the second notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urgingreplacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S26). Then, the MCU 50resets the puff-number counter to an initial value (=0), deletes thevalue of the past W_(flavor), and further initializes the targettemperature T_(cap_target) (step S27).

The initialization of the target temperature T_(cap_target) meansexcluding, from the setting values, the target temperatureT_(cap_target) at that time stored in the memory 50 a. Note that, asanother example, when step S3 is always executed with step S1 and stepS2 being omitted, the initialization of the target temperatureT_(cap_target) means setting the target temperature T_(cap_target) atthat time stored in the memory 50 a to a room temperature.

After step S27, when the power supply is not turned off (step S28: NO),the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S1, and when the power supplyis turned off (step S28: YES), the MCU 50 ends the processing.

Effects of Embodiment

As described above, according to the aerosol generation device 1, thedischarge from the power supply 12 to the first load 21 and the secondload 31 is controlled so that the amount of the flavor componentincluded in aerosol each time the user inhales the aerosol is toconverge to the target amount. For this reason, the amount of the flavorcomponent that is provided for the user can be stabilized everyinhalation, so that the commercial value of the aerosol generationdevice 1 can be increased. In addition, as compared to a configurationwhere the discharge is performed only for the first load 21, the amountof the flavor component that is provided for the user can be stabilizedevery inhalation, so that the commercial value of the aerosol generationdevice 1 can be further increased.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, when theatomizing electric power determined in step S5 exceeds the electricpower threshold value P_(max), and hence, generation of aerosolnecessary to achieve the target amount of the flavor component cannot beperformed, the control of electric discharging from the power supply 12to the second load 31 is performed. In this way, since the discharge tothe second load 31 is performed as necessary, the amount of the flavorcomponent that is provided for the user can be stabilized everyinhalation, and the amount of electric power for achieving the same canbe reduced.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the remainingamount of the flavor component is updated in step S24, based on thedischarge time (t_(sense)) to the first load 21 corresponding to therequest for aerosol generation, T_(cap_target) at the time of receivingthe request for aerosol generation, and the electric power (theatomizing electric power P_(liquid), the atomizing electric powerP_(liquid)′) electrically discharged to the first load according to therequest for aerosol generation or an amount of the electric power(electric power×t_(sense)), and the electric power that is electricallydischarged to the first load 21 is determined based on the remainingamount of the flavor component, in step S4 and step S5. For this reason,after appropriately considering the electric power or amount of electricpower electrically discharged to the first load 21 that highlyinfluences the amount of the flavor component that can be added toaerosol and also appropriately considering the temperature of the flavorsource 33 at the time of the discharge to the first load 21 that highlyinfluences the amount of the flavor component that can be added toaerosol, the discharge to the first load 21 can be controlled. In thisway, the discharge to the first load 21 is controlled afterappropriately considering the state of the aerosol generation device 1,so that the amount of the flavor component can be stabilized with highaccuracy every inhalation and the commercial value of the aerosolgeneration device 1 can be thus increased.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, the flavor source33 is heated before the request for aerosol generation is detected. Forthis reason, the flavor source 33 can be warmed before the generation ofaerosol, so that it is possible to shorten a necessary time after therequest for aerosol generation is received until aerosol to which adesired amount of the flavor component is added are generated.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, after the requestfor aerosol generation is received, the discharge to the second load 31is stopped. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform thedischarge to the first load 21 and the second load 31 at the same time,so that it is possible to suppress deficiency in electric power that iselectrically discharged to the second load 31. In addition to this, thelarge current is suppressed from being electrically discharged from thepower supply 12. Therefore, the deterioration in the power supply 12 canbe suppressed.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, after aerosol isgenerated, the discharge to the second load 31 is resumed, so that evenwhen aerosol is continuously generated, the flavor source 33 can be keptwarmed. For this reason, it is possible to provide the user with thestable amount of the flavor component over a plurality of continuousinhalations.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, since theelectric power threshold value P_(max) is changed based on the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir, the atomizing electric power iscontrolled based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir.

For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriate electric powerbased on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 to the first load21. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosol havingappropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, when thetemperature of the flavor source 33 is lower than the targettemperature, the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 iscontrolled according to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir. For this reason, it is possible to provide the user withaerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve thecommercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, since theelectric power threshold value P_(max) is determined based on theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir, the electric power thatis electrically discharged from the power supply 12 to the second load31 is controlled based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriateelectric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 tothe second load 31. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user withaerosol having appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve thecommercial value.

Further, according to the aerosol generation device 1, in step S24, theremaining amount of the flavor component is updated based on thedischarge time (t_(sense)) to the first load 21 according to the requestfor aerosol generation, and the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir can be derived based on the remaining amount of the flavorcomponent. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a dedicatedsensor so as to measure the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the increase incost of the aerosol generation device 1.

First Modified Embodiment of Aerosol Generation Device

The MCU 50 may set the electric power threshold value P_(max), which isused for determination in step S6 a, to a single fixed value, and setthe amount of increase ΔP, which is used in step S19 a, to a variablevalue based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir. FIG.14 is a schematic view showing another example of the electric powerthreshold value P_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP.

In the example of FIG. 14, when the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 theamount of increase ΔP is a constant value P1, and when the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or greater than thethreshold value TH2 and smaller than the threshold value TH1, the amountof increase ΔP is a value smaller than the value P1. Specifically, in arange where the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equalto or greater than the threshold value TH2 and smaller than thethreshold value TH1, the smaller the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir is, the smaller the amount of increase ΔP is. In theexample of FIG. 14, the electric power threshold value P_(max) is aconstant value P2. The sum of the electric power threshold value P_(max)and the amount of increase ΔP corresponding to each remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir is equal to or smaller than the upperlimit value P_(upper). In addition, the summed value of the value P1 andthe value P2 is the same as the upper limit value P_(upper). Note that,the summed value of the value P1 and the value P2 may be smaller thanthe upper limit value P_(upper).

According to the first modified embodiment, when the temperature of theflavor source 33 is lower than the target temperature, the electricpower that is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled according tothe remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir. For this reason, itis possible to provide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavorand taste, which can improve the commercial value.

Second Modified Embodiment of Aerosol Generation Device

In the above, the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir isused as the parameter that is used to determine each of the electricpower threshold value P_(max) and the amount of increase ΔP. In amodified embodiment, as the parameter, a remaining amount W_(wick) inthe wick, which is an amount of the aerosol source retained in the wick24, may be used. Aerosol that are generated by the aerosol generationdevice 1 are generated as the aerosol source 22 retained in the wick 24is atomized. For this reason, it is possible to control the electricpower that is supplied to the first load 21 with higher accuracy whenthe remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick is used than when theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is used, as theparameter.

The remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick can be derived based on theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir. Specifically, theremaining amount W_(wick) in the wick can be expressed by a functionwhose variables are the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick at the endof aerosol inhalation performed immediately before deriving theremaining amount W_(wick) in the wick, elapsed time from the end to thederivation, and the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir atthe end of aerosol inhalation.

The remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick before i^(th) inhalation isperformed is described as the remaining amount W_(wick)(i) in the wick.The time at which the supply of electric power to the first load 21 atthe time of i^(th) inhalation is stopped is described as t_(end)(i). Thetime at which the supply of electric power to the first load 21 at thetime of i^(th) inhalation is started is described as t_(start)(i). Thetime at which the remaining amount W_(wick)(i) in the wick is derived isdescribed as t. The electric power supplied to the first load 21 at thetime of i^(th) inhalation is described as P(i).

According to the above definitions, the remaining amountW_(wick)(n_(puff)) in the wick at time t before n_(puff) ^(th)inhalation is performed can be expressed by a function f₂ expressed by afollowing equation (10). The function f₂ is a function whose variablesare a function f₁ indicating a remaining amount in the wick at the endof(n_(puff)−1)^(th) inhalation, elapsed time (t−t_(end)(n_(puff)−1))from the end of(n_(puff)−1)^(th) inhalation to time t, and a remainingamount W_(reservoir)(n_(puff)) in the reservoir at timet_(end)(n_(puff)−1). The function f₁ is a function whose variables arew_(wick)(n_(puff)−1), time from t_(start)(n_(puff)−1) tot_(end)(n_(puff)−1), and P(n_(puff)−1). The function f₁ and the functionf₂ can be obtained by multiple tests, deep learning, or the like.

$\begin{matrix}{\mspace{79mu}\left\lbrack {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 9} \right\rbrack} & \; \\{{W_{wick}\left( n_{puff} \right)} = {f_{2}\left( {{{f_{1}\ \begin{pmatrix}{W_{wick}\left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)} \\{{t_{end}\left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)} - \left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)} \\{P\left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)}\end{pmatrix}}t} - {{t_{end}\left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)}\mspace{14mu}{W_{reservoir}\left( n_{puff} \right)}}} \right)}} & (10)\end{matrix}$

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosolgeneration device 1 according to a second modified embodiment. Theflowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are the same as the flowcharts shownin FIGS. 7 and 8, except that step S6 a is changed to step S6 b and stepS6 c and step 519 a is changed to step S19 b and step 19 c.

After step S5 of FIG. 15, the MCU 50 acquires the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir, and derives the remaining amountW_(wick) in the wick based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir (step S6 b). Then, the MCU 50 sets the electric powerthreshold value P_(max), based on the derived the remaining amountW_(wick) in the wick (step S6 c). As the electric power threshold valueP_(max), for example, one in a graph where the remaining amount in thereservoir in the graph shown in FIG. 9 or 10 is replaced with theremaining amount in the wick can be used. After step S6 c, processing ofstep S6 is performed.

When a determination of step S15 in FIG. 15 is NO, the MCU 50 againacquires the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir, and againderives the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick based on the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (step S19 b). Then, the MCU 50sets the amount of increase ΔP, based on the derived the remainingamount W_(wick) in the wick (step S19 c). As the amount of increase ΔP,one in a graph where the remaining amount in the reservoir in the graphshown in FIG. 10 or 14 is replaced with the remaining amount in the wickcan be used. After step S19 b, processing of step S19 is performed.

In this way, the electric power that is supplied to the first load 21 iscontrolled based on the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick, so thatit is possible to supply the more appropriate electric power to thefirst load 21, as compared to the configuration where the electric powerthat is supplied to the first load 21 is controlled based on theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir.

As shown by the equation (10), the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wickcan change by the deriving timing (time t). For example, the remainingamount W_(wick) in the wick derived in step S6 b may be increased overtime by the aerosol source 22 supplied from the reservoir 23. Therefore,when the request for aerosol generation is performed, it is effective toagain derive the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick in step S19 bimmediately before performing the discharge from the power supply 12 tothe first load 21. Thereby, it is possible to supply the moreappropriate electric power to the first load 21.

Third Modified Embodiment of Aerosol Generation Device

In the above, the remaining amount of the flavor component is derived,and the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) and the target temperatureT_(cap_target) necessary to achieve the target amount W_(flavor) of theflavor component are determined based on the remaining amount of theflavor component before the request for aerosol generation is performed.In this modified embodiment, the atomizing electric power P_(liquid)that is determined before the request for aerosol generation isperformed is set to a constant value, and the target temperatureT_(cap_target) is variably controlled based on the remaining amount ofthe flavor source 33 (specifically, the smaller the remaining amount is,the target temperature is raised), thereby achieving the target amountW_(flavor) of the flavor component.

Also in the aerosol generation device 1 of the third modifiedembodiment, when the temperature of the flavor source 33 is lower thanthe target temperature at the time of detection of the request foraerosol generation, the deficiency in the amount W_(flavor) of theflavor component is supplemented by the increase in the aerosol weightW_(aerosol) (increase in the atomizing electric power). In order tosecure the amount of increase in the atomizing electric power, theatomizing electric power P_(liquid) that is determined before detectingthe request for aerosol generation is set lower than the upper limitvalue P_(upper).

In the third modified embodiment, the MCU 50 does not derive theremaining amount of the flavor component, and variably controls thetarget temperature T_(cap_target) by using another parameter equivalentto the remaining amount of the flavor component.

The remaining amount of the flavor component is reduced each timeinhalation is performed. For this reason, the remaining amount of theflavor component is inversely proportional to the number of inhalationtimes, which is the number of times that inhalation is performed (inother words, the number of cumulative times of the discharge operationto the first load 21 for aerosol generation according to the request foraerosol generation). Further, the remaining amount of the flavorcomponent is more reduced as the time during which the discharge to thefirst load 21 for aerosol generation is performed according toinhalation is longer. For this reason, the remaining amount of theflavor component is also inversely proportional to a cumulative value oftime (hereinbelow, referred to as the cumulative discharge time) duringwhich the discharge to the first load 21 for aerosol generation isperformed according to inhalation. Therefore, the remaining amount ofthe flavor component of the second cartridge 30 can be calculated basedon the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge time whileone second cartridge 30 is used, without deriving the remaining amountof the flavor component by the complex calculation as described above.

As can be seen from the model of the equation (2), assuming that theaerosol weight W_(aerosol) every inhalation is controlled to besubstantially constant (the atomizing electric power P_(liquid) iscontrolled to be constant), in order to stabilize the amount of theflavor W_(flavor) component, it is necessary to raise the temperature ofthe flavor source 33 according to the decrease in the remaining amountof the flavor component (specifically, the increase in the number ofinhalation times or the cumulative discharge time). In the firstmodified embodiment, the electric power control unit of the MCU 50manages the target temperature according to a table stored in advance inthe memory 50 a, in which the number of inhalation times or thecumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source33 calculated based on the same) and the target temperature of theflavor source 33 are stored in association with each other.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for describing operations of the aerosolgeneration device 1 according to the third modified embodiment. When thepower supply of the aerosol generation device 1 is turned on as a resultof the operation on the operation unit 14, or the like (step S30: YES),the MCU 50 determines (sets) the target temperature T_(cap_target) ofthe flavor source 33, based on the number of inhalation times or thecumulative discharge time (or the remaining amount of the flavor source33) stored in the memory 50 a (step S31).

Subsequently, the MCU 50 acquires the temperature of the flavor source33T_(cap_sense) at the present moment, based on the output of thetemperature detection device T1 (or the temperature detection device T3)(step S32).

Then, the MCU 50 controls the discharge for heating of the flavor source33 to the second load 31, based on the temperature T_(cap_sense) and thetarget temperature T_(cap_target) (step S33). Specifically, the MCU 50supplies the electric power to the second load 31 by the PID control orthe ON/OFF control so that the temperature T_(cap_sense) is to convergeto the target temperature T_(cap_target).

After step S33, the MCU 50 determines whether there is a request foraerosol generation (step S34). When a request for aerosol generation isnot detected (step S34: NO), the MCU 50 determines a length of thenon-operation time during which the request for aerosol generation isnot performed, in step S35. When the non-operation time has reached apredetermined time (step S35: YES), the MCU 50 ends the discharge to thesecond load 31 (step S36), and shifts to the sleep mode in which thepower consumption is reduced (step S37). When the non-operation time hasnot reached the predetermined time (step S35: NO), the MCU 50 shifts theprocessing to step S32.

When a request for aerosol generation is detected (step S34: YES), theMCU 50 ends the discharge for heating of the flavor source 33 to thesecond load 31, and acquires the temperature T_(cap_sense) of the flavorsource 33 at that time, based on the output of the temperature detectiondevice T1 (or the temperature detection device T3) (step S41). Then, theMCU 50 determines whether the temperature T_(cap_sense) acquired in stepS41 is equal to or higher than the target temperature T_(cap_target)(step S42).

When the temperature T_(cap_sense) is equal to or higher than the targettemperature T_(cap_target) (step S42: YES), the MCU 50 supplies thepredetermined atomizing electric power P_(liquid) to the first load 21,thereby starting heating of the first load 21 (heating for atomizing theaerosol source 22) (step S43).

When the temperature T_(cap_sense) is lower than the target temperatureT_(cap_target) (step S42: NO), the MCU 50 increases the predeterminedatomizing electric power P_(liquid) so as to supplement the decrease inthe amount of the flavor component due to the insufficient temperatureof the flavor source 33. Specifically, the MCU 50 first acquires theremaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (or the remaining amountW_(wick) in the wick), and determines an amount of increase ΔPa of theatomizing electric power P_(liquid), based on the acquired remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W_(wick)in the wick) (step S45). Then, the MCU 50 supplies, to the first load21, the atomizing electric power P_(liquid)′ obtained by adding theamount of increase ΔPa to the atomizing electric power P_(liquid),thereby starting heating of the first load 21 (step S46). As the amountof increase ΔPa, for example, a variable value that is the same as theamount of increase ΔP shown in FIG. 10 is used.

The remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir can be derived basedon a cumulative value of the supply time t_(sense) of the atomizingelectric power to the first load 21 after the first cartridge 20 isreplaced with a brand-new cartridge. The remaining amount W_(wick) inthe wick can be derived based on the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir derived in this way.

After starting the heating of the first load 21 in step S43 or step S46,when the request for aerosol generation is not over yet (step S44: NO)and the duration of the request for aerosol generation is shorter thanthe upper limit time topper (step S44 a: YES), the MCU 50 continues toheat the first load 21. When the duration of the request for aerosolgeneration reaches the upper limit time t_(upper) (step S44 a: NO) orwhen the request for aerosol generation is over (step S44: YES), the MCU50 stops the supply of electric power to the first load 21 (step S48).

In this way, even when the atomizing electric power is increased in stepS46, the smaller the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir is,the amount of increase ΔPa is set to be smaller, so that the appropriateelectric power corresponding to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) inthe reservoir can be supplied to the first load 21. As a result, it ispossible to suppress aerosol having unintended flavor and taste frombeing generated, which is caused when electric power more than necessityis supplied to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir.

After step S48, the MCU 50 acquires the supply time t_(sense) to thefirst load 21 of the atomizing electric power supplied to the first load21 in step S43 or step S46 (step S49). Then, the MCU 50 updates thecumulative discharge time stored in the memory 50 a, based on the supplytime t_(sense) (step S50). If the number of inhalation times is usedwhen determining the target temperature in step S31, the MCU 50 updatesthe number of inhalation times stored in the memory 50 a in step S50. Inaddition, the MCU 50 updates the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir (step S51). The cumulative discharge time or the number ofinhalation times is a parameter indicating a consumed amount of theflavor source 33 after the second cartridge 30 is replaced with abrand-new cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the remainingamount of the flavor source 33 by comparing the cumulative dischargetime or the number of inhalation times and the upper limit value of thecumulative discharge time or the number of inhalation times per onesecond cartridge 30. For example, the remaining amount[%] of the flavorsource 33 can be acquired by dividing a value, which is obtained bysubtracting the cumulative discharge time or the number of inhalationtimes from the upper limit value, by the upper limit value andmultiplying 100.

Then, the MCU 50 determines whether the number of inhalation times orthe cumulative discharge time after the update in step S50 exceeds athreshold value (step S52). When the number of inhalation times or thecumulative discharge time after the update is equal to or smaller thanthe threshold value (step S52: NO), the MCU 50 shifts the processing tostep S55. When the number of inhalation times or cumulative dischargetime after the update exceeds the threshold value (step S52: YES), theMCU 50 causes at least one of the first notification unit 45 and thesecond notification unit 46 to issue a notification for urgingreplacement of the second cartridge 30 (step S53). Then, the MCU 50resets the number of inhalation times or the cumulative discharge timeto the initial value (=0), and initializes the target temperatureT_(cap_target) (step S54). The initialization of the target temperatureT_(cap_target) means excluding, from the setting values, the targettemperature T_(cap_target) at that time stored in the memory 50 a.

After step S54, when the power supply is not turned off (step S55: NO),the MCU 50 returns the processing to step S31, and when the power supplyis turned off (step S55: YES), the MCU 50 ends the processing. In thisway, according to the third modified embodiment, it is possible tostabilize flavor and taste every inhalation while simplifying theoperations.

The aerosol generation device 1 described above is configured to be ableto heat the flavor source 33. However, this configuration is notnecessarily required. Even when the heating of the flavor source 33 isnot performed, the MCU 50 controls the electric power that is suppliedto the first load 21 for generation of aerosol, based on the remainingamount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (or the remaining amount W_(wick)in the wick), thereby making amounts of generated aerosol to bedifferent according to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir (or the remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick). By suchcontrol, it is possible to generate an appropriate amount of aerosolcorresponding to the remaining amount W_(reservoir) in the reservoir (orthe remaining amount W_(wick) in the wick), so that it is possible toprovide the user with aerosol having appropriate flavor and taste.

In the aerosol generation device 1 described above, the first cartridge20 is detachably mounted to the power supply unit 10. However, the firstcartridge 20 may also be integrated with the power supply unit 10.

In the aerosol generation device 1 described above, the first load 21and the second load 31 are each configured as a heater that generatesheat by electric power electrically discharged from the power supply 12.However, the first load 21 and the second load 31 may also be eachconfigured as a Peltier device that can generate heat and cool byelectric power electrically discharged from the power supply 12. Whenthe first load 21 and the second load 31 are each configured in thisway, the degrees of control freedom on the temperature of the aerosolsource 22 and the temperature of the flavor source 33 are increased, sothat it is possible to control the unit amount of flavor more highly.

In addition, the first load 21 may also be configured by a device thatcan atomize the aerosol source 22 without heating the aerosol source 22by ultrasonic waves or the like. Further, the second load 31 may also beconfigured by a device that can change the amount of the flavorcomponent to be added to aerosol by the flavor source 33 without heatingthe flavor source 33 by ultrasonic waves or the like.

In a case where an ultrasonic device is used for the second load 31, forexample, the MCU 50 may control the discharge to the first load 21 andthe second load 31, based on a wavelength of ultrasonic waves applied tothe flavor source 33, for example, not the temperature of the flavorsource 33, as the parameter that influences the amount of the flavorcomponent to be added to aerosol passing through the flavor source 33.

The device that can be used for the first load 21 is not limited to aheater, a Peltier device and an ultrasonic device described above, and avariety of devices or a combination thereof can be used as long as itcan atomize the aerosol source 22 by consuming the electric powersupplied from the power supply 12. Likewise, the device that can be usedfor the second load 31 is not limited to a heater, a Peltier device andan ultrasonic device as described above, and a variety of devices or acombination thereof can be used as long as it can change the amount ofthe flavor component to be added to aerosol by consuming the electricpower supplied from the power supply 12.

The present specification discloses at least following matters. Notethat, the constitutional elements corresponding to the embodiments areshown in parentheses. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

(1) A control unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generationdevice (aerosol generation device 1) including a processing device (MCU50) configured to acquire a remaining amount (the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir or the remaining amount W_(wick) in thewick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22),

wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is smaller thana threshold value (threshold value TH2), the processing devicesuppresses discharge from a power supply (power supply 12) to anatomizer (first load 21) configured to atomize the aerosol source, and

wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to orgreater than the threshold value, the processing device controls thedischarge from the power supply to the atomizer so as to make an amountof the aerosol source to be atomized different, based on the remainingamount of the aerosol source.

According to the above (1), the electric power that is supplied to theatomizer is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosolsource. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriateelectric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source tothe atomizer. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosolhaving appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercialvalue.

(2) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (1), wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source isequal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing devicecontrols the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer so that theamount of the aerosol source to be atomized increases as the remainingamount of the aerosol source increases.

According to the above (2), when the remaining amount of the aerosolsource is equal to or greater than the threshold value and the remainingamount is small, the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer isreduced. For this reason, it is possible to generate aerosol whilesuppressing aerosol having unintended flavor and taste from beinggenerated, which is caused when electric power more than necessity issupplied to the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

(3) A control unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generationdevice (aerosol generation device 1) including a processing device (MCU50) configured to acquire a remaining amount (the remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir or the remaining amount W_(wick) in thewick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22),

wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is a firstremaining amount, the processing device electrically discharges firstelectric power from a power supply (power supply 12) to an atomizer(first load 21) configured to atomize the aerosol source, and

wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is a secondremaining amount different from the first remaining amount, theprocessing device electrically discharges second electric powerdifferent from the first electric power from the power supply to theatomizer.

According to the above (3), the electric power that is supplied to theatomizer is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosolsource. For this reason, it is possible to supply the appropriateelectric power based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source tothe atomizer. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with aerosolhaving appropriate flavor and taste, which can improve the commercialvalue.

(4) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (3), wherein the first remaining amount is larger than the secondremaining amount, and

wherein the first electric power is more than the second electric power.

According to the above (4), when the remaining amount of the aerosolsource is small, the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer isreduced. For this reason, it is possible to generate aerosol whilesuppressing aerosol having unintended flavor and taste from beinggenerated, which is caused when electric power more than necessity issupplied to the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

(5) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to one ofthe above (1) to (4), further including a storage part (reservoir 23)configured to store the aerosol source,

wherein the processing device is configured to acquire the remainingamount of the aerosol source (remaining amount W_(reservoir) in thereservoir) in the storage part, as the remaining amount of the aerosolsource.

According to the above (5), it is possible to acquire the remainingamount of the aerosol source simply and accurately. For this reason, itis possible to supply the appropriate electric power to the atomizerwhile suppressing the increase in cost of the aerosol generation device.

(6) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (5), wherein the processing device is configured to acquire theremaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage part, based on alength of the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer (thesupply time t_(sense) or the cumulative discharge time).

According to the above (6), it is not necessary to provide a dedicatedsensor so as to acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source. Forthis reason, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost of theaerosol generation device.

(7) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to one ofthe above (1) to (4), wherein the processing device is configured toacquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source (the remaining amountW_(wick) in the wick) in a retaining part (wick 24) configured to retainthe aerosol source supplied from a storage part (reservoir 23)configured to store the aerosol source, in a position in which theatomizer can atomize the aerosol source, as the remaining amount of theaerosol source.

According to the above (7), it is possible to acquire the remainingamount of the aerosol source that is retained in the retaining partlocated in the position in which the aerosol source is atomized. Forthis reason, as compared to the configuration where the remaining amountof the aerosol source in the storage part is acquired, it is possible tosupply the more appropriate electric power to the atomizer.

(8) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (7), wherein the processing device is configured to acquire theremaining amount of the aerosol source in the retaining part, based onthe remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage part.

According to the above (8), it is possible to acquire the remainingamount in the retaining part, based on the remaining amount of theaerosol source in the storage part that highly influences the aerosolsource retained in the retaining part. For this reason, it is possibleto accurately acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source in theretaining part.

(9) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (7) or (8), wherein the processing device is configured to acquirethe remaining amount of the aerosol source in the retaining partimmediately before (the timing at which the determination in step S10 ofFIG. 10 is YES) the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer, asthe remaining amount of the aerosol source.

According to the above (9), as compared to the remaining amount of theaerosol source in the storage part, which is difficult to recover evenafter a while, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in theretaining part, which is easy to recover after a while, is acquiredimmediately before the discharge to the atomizer. For this reason, it ispossible to improve the accuracy of the discharge control based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source.

(10) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (7) or (8), wherein the processing device is configured to acquirean activation command of the aerosol generation device and anatomization command of the aerosol source by the atomizer, and whereinthe processing device is configured to acquire the remaining amount ofthe aerosol source in the retaining part, as the remaining amount of theaerosol source, when the atomization command is acquired (the timing atwhich the determination in step S10 of FIG. 10 is YES).

According to the above (10), as compared to the remaining amount of theaerosol source in the storage part, which is difficult to recover evenafter a while, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in theretaining part, which is easy to recover after a while, is acquiredimmediately before the discharge to the atomizer. For this reason, it ispossible to improve the accuracy of the discharge control based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source.

(11) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to oneof the above (1) to (10), wherein the processing device is configured tocontrol, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source, electricpower that is electrically discharged from the power supply to anadjustor (second load 31) capable of adjusting an amount of flavor thatis added from a flavor source (flavor source 33) to aerosol generatedfrom the aerosol source.

According to the above (11), the electric power that is supplied to theadjustor is controlled based on the remaining amount of the aerosolsource. For example, like the operations shown in FIG. 7, the electricpower to the second load 31 is controlled according to the electricpower threshold value P_(max) determined in step S6 a based on theremaining amount in the reservoir derived based on the remaining amountof the flavor component. For this reason, an amount of the flavor thatis added to aerosol can be set as appropriate in consideration of theremaining amount of the aerosol source.

(12) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (11), wherein the processing device is configured to acquire anatomization command of the aerosol source by the atomizer, and

wherein the processing device is configured to control, based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source, electric power that iselectrically discharged from the power supply to the adjustor so that anamount of flavor added to aerosol generated in response to theatomization command acquired at a first timing is the same as an amountof flavor added to aerosol generated in response to the atomizationcommand acquired at a second timing after the first timing.

According to the above (12), the amounts of flavors that are added toaerosol generated by each atomization command can be made to be thesame. For this reason, flavor and taste upon inhalation of aerosol arestabilized, so that the merchantability of the aerosol generation deviceis improved.

(13) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (12), wherein the processing device is configured to control thedischarge from the power supply to the atomizer so that a length ofdischarge from the power supply to the atomizer by each atomizationcommand does not exceed an upper limit time (upper limit timet_(upper)), and

wherein the processing device is configured to determine electric powerthat is electrically discharged from the power supply to the atomizeraccording to the atomization command acquired at the second timing,based on the upper limit time.

According to the above (13), since the electric power that iselectrically discharged from the power supply to the atomizer accordingto the atomization command at the second timing is determined based onthe upper limit of the discharge time to the atomizer performed inresponse to one atomization command, flavor and taste can be furtherstabilized.

(14) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to oneof the above (1) to (4), further including a temperature detectiondevice (temperature detection device T1 or T3) capable of outputting atemperature of a heat generating element (second load 31) that can heata flavor source (flavor source 33) configured to add flavor to aerosolgenerated from the aerosol source,

wherein the processing device can acquire an atomization command of theaerosol source by the atomizer,

wherein the processing device is configured to control discharge fromthe power supply to the heat generating element so that a temperature ofthe heat generating element is to converge to a target temperature(target temperature T_(cap_target)),

wherein when a temperature of the heat generating element acquired inresponse to the atomization command is lower than the target temperature(step S15: NO), the processing device electrically discharges thirdelectric power (atomizing electric power P_(liquid)′) from the powersupply to the atomizer,

wherein when a temperature of the heat generating element acquired inresponse to the atomization command is equal to or higher than thetarget temperature (step S15: YES), the processing device electricallydischarges fourth electric power (atomizing electric power P_(liquid))from the power supply to the atomizer, and

wherein the third electric power is set based on the remaining amount ofthe aerosol source and is greater than the fourth electric power.

According to the above (14), when the temperature of the heat generatingelement configured to heat the flavor source is lower than the targettemperature, the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer iscontrolled according to the remaining amount of the aerosol source. Forthis reason, it is possible to stabilize flavor and taste whileconsidering the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

(15) The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to theabove (14), wherein the processing device is configured so that the morethe remaining amount of the aerosol source is, the greater the thirdelectric power is.

According to the above (15), when the temperature of the heat generatingelement configured to heat the flavor source is lower than the targettemperature, the electric power that is supplied to the atomizer iscontrolled according to the remaining amount of the aerosol source. Forthis reason, it is possible to stabilize flavor and taste whileconsidering the remaining amount of the aerosol source.

(16) A control unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generationdevice (aerosol generation device 1) including a processing device (MCU50) configured to acquire a remaining amount (remaining amountW_(reservoir) in the reservoir or the remaining amount W_(wick) in thewick) of an aerosol source (aerosol source 22),

wherein the processing device is configured to control, based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source, electric power that iselectrically discharged from a power supply (power supply 12) to anadjustor (second load 31) capable of adjusting an amount of flavor thatis added from a flavor source (flavor source 33) to aerosol generatedfrom the aerosol source.

According to the above (16), since the electric power that is suppliedto the adjustor is controlled based on the remaining amount of theaerosol source, an amount of the flavor that is added to aerosol can beset as appropriate in consideration of the remaining amount of theaerosol source.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control unit of an aerosol generation devicecomprising: a processing device configured to acquire a remaining amountof an aerosol source, wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosolsource is smaller than a threshold value, the processing devicesuppresses discharge from a power supply to an atomizer configured toatomize the aerosol source, and wherein when the remaining amount of theaerosol source is equal to or greater than the threshold value, theprocessing device controls the discharge from the power supply to theatomizer so as to make an amount of the aerosol source to be atomizeddifferent, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
 2. Thecontrol unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 1,wherein when the remaining amount of the aerosol source is equal to orgreater than the threshold value, the processing device controls thedischarge from the power supply to the atomizer so that the amount ofthe aerosol source to be atomized increases as the remaining amount ofthe aerosol source increases.
 3. A control unit of an aerosol generationdevice comprising: a processing device configured to acquire a remainingamount of an aerosol source, wherein when the remaining amount of theaerosol source is a first remaining amount, the processing deviceelectrically discharges first electric power from a power supply to anatomizer configured to atomize the aerosol source, and wherein when theremaining amount of the aerosol source is a second remaining amountdifferent from the first remaining amount, the processing deviceelectrically discharges second electric power different from the firstelectric power from the power supply to the atomizer.
 4. The controlunit of an aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein thefirst remaining amount is larger than the second remaining amount, andwherein the first electric power is more than the second electric power.5. The control unit of an aerosol generation device according to claim1, further comprising a storage part configured to store the aerosolsource, wherein the processing device is configured to acquire theremaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage part, as theremaining amount of the aerosol source.
 6. The control unit of anaerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the processingdevice is configured to acquire the remaining amount of the aerosolsource in the storage part, based on a length of the discharge from thepower supply to the atomizer.
 7. The control unit of an aerosolgeneration device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device isconfigured to acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source in aretaining part configured to retain the aerosol source supplied from astorage part configured to store the aerosol source, in a position inwhich the atomizer can atomize the aerosol source, as the remainingamount of the aerosol source.
 8. The control unit of an aerosolgeneration device according to claim 7, wherein the processing device isconfigured to acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source in theretaining part, based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source inthe storage part.
 9. The control unit of an aerosol generation deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the processing device is configured toacquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the retaining partimmediately before the discharge from the power supply to the atomizer,as the remaining amount of the aerosol source.
 10. The control unit ofan aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein theprocessing device is configured to acquire an activation command of theaerosol generation device and an atomization command of the aerosolsource by the atomizer, and wherein the processing device is configuredto acquire the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the retainingpart, as the remaining amount of the aerosol source, when theatomization command is acquired.
 11. The control unit of an aerosolgeneration device according to one of claim 1, wherein the processingdevice is configured to control, based on the remaining amount of theaerosol source, electric power that is electrically discharged from thepower supply to an adjustor capable of adjusting an amount of flavorthat is added from a flavor source to aerosol generated from the aerosolsource.
 12. The control unit of an aerosol generation device accordingto claim 11, wherein the processing device is configured to acquire anatomization command of the aerosol source by the atomizer, and whereinthe processing device is configured to control, based on the remainingamount of the aerosol source, electric power that is electricallydischarged from the power supply to the adjustor so that an amount offlavor added to aerosol generated in response to the atomization commandacquired at a first timing is the same as an amount of flavor added toaerosol generated in response to the atomization command acquired at asecond timing after the first timing.
 13. The control unit of an aerosolgeneration device according to claim 12, wherein the processing deviceis configured to control the discharge from the power supply to theatomizer so that a length of discharge from the power supply to theatomizer by each atomization command does not exceed an upper limittime, and wherein the processing device is configured to determineelectric power that is electrically discharged from the power supply tothe atomizer according to the atomization command acquired at the secondtiming, based on the upper limit time.
 14. The control unit of anaerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising atemperature detection device capable of outputting a temperature of aheat generating element that can heat a flavor source configured to addflavor to aerosol generated from the aerosol source, wherein theprocessing device can acquire an atomization command of the aerosolsource by the atomizer, wherein the processing device is configured tocontrol discharge from the power supply to the heat generating elementso that a temperature of the heat generating element is to converge to atarget temperature, wherein when a temperature of the heat generatingelement acquired in response to the atomization command is lower thanthe target temperature, the processing device electrically dischargesthird electric power from the power supply to the atomizer, wherein whena temperature of the heat generating element acquired in response to theatomization command is equal to or higher than the target temperature,the processing device electrically discharges fourth electric power fromthe power supply to the atomizer, and wherein the third electric poweris set based on the remaining amount of the aerosol source and isgreater than the fourth electric power.
 15. The control unit of anaerosol generation device according to claim 14, wherein the processingdevice is configured so that the more the remaining amount of theaerosol source is, the greater the third electric power is.
 16. Acontrol unit of an aerosol generation device comprising: a processingdevice configured to acquire a remaining amount of an aerosol source,wherein the processing device is configured to control, based on theremaining amount of the aerosol source, electric power that iselectrically discharged from a power supply to an adjustor capable ofadjusting an amount of flavor that is added from a flavor source toaerosol generated from the aerosol source.